How to become an accountant without a degree in accountancy?

Hi,

I firmed a place to study Economics at Nottingham University and would very much like to work for a Big 4 accountancy firm post-graduation.

However, I'm unsure how to do this. I presume I just apply for graduate schemes with them, but what exactly is the process? What additional exams do I need to take to qualify, how do I take them, and how long does it take?

Also, I plan to open my own accountancy firm after I've gained the necessary experience and qualifications. Are additional qualifications needed to do this?

Thank you!

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Reply 1

Kre

18

A degree in accountancy is useful but not essential. There are several accountancy qualifications you can do, the most popular being ACA, ACCA and CIMA. Big 4 grads do the ACA which qualifies you to do statutory audits. Just apply when the grad schemes open (usually in the Summer the year before).

The recruitment process for the Big 4 firms are all similar. It's usually an application, psychometric tests, then telephone interview, assessment centre (comprising of retesting, group interview and competency interview), and if you get through all of that, a partner interview at the end. The top 20 firms all have similar processes.

ACA training contracts are 3 years long, there are 15 exams to be completed and you also need to do 450 days of technical work experience. You'll usually do these in batches throughout your 3 year TC.

Reply 2

Exceptional

OP

21

Original post by Kre

A degree in accountancy is useful but not essential. There are several accountancy qualifications you can do, the most popular being ACA, ACCA and CIMA. Big 4 grads do the ACA which qualifies you to do statutory audits. Just apply when the grad schemes open (usually in the Summer the year before).

The recruitment process for the Big 4 firms are all similar. It's usually an application, psychometric tests, then telephone interview, assessment centre (comprising of retesting, group interview and competency interview), and if you get through all of that, a partner interview at the end. The top 20 firms all have similar processes.

ACA training contracts are 3 years long, there are 15 exams to be completed and you also need to do 450 days of technical work experience. You'll usually do these in batches throughout your 3 year TC.

Thanks for the insight!

So to clarify, when you apply for graduate programmes at the Big 4, you're registered with an ACA TC?

What's ICAEW for?

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Reply 3

Kre

18

Original post by Exceptional

Thanks for the insight!

So to clarify, when you apply for graduate programmes at the Big 4, you're registered with an ACA TC?

What's ICAEW for?

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If you get a TC, your employer will take you through the process of registering with the ICAEW.

You'll be registered as a student with the ICAEW. The ICAEW is the body which issues the ACA qualification. Upon completion of the ACA, you'll be invited to register as a full member with the ICAEW.

How to become an accountant without a degree in accountancy?

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